The National Humane Education Society NHES The organization sent a check that was not expected, for the amount of $2.00. On a loosely attached page there is a check-box with instructions to return the check with a donation. Charles Town, West Virginia

What's the "rip off" here?

First, you point out "potential accounting implications for printing and mailing thousands of checks for $2.00", but that's not even your problem, nor anyone else's, it's the problem of the organization.

You say there's a sheet with instructions. Are the instructions clear? Are they deceptive in any way as to what is expected of the recipient in regards to the check? People have a responsibility to read and understand any additional documentation that comes with unexpected monies.

Again, you say; "the check should be returned to the organization instead of being deposited". Have you verified that the check in question would not be honored if someone tried to deposit it at a financial institution?

No one is obligated to respond in any way to a fiscal pleading of this nature. If someone feels an emotional twinge to donate money to this cause, perhaps it's because deep down inside they feel they wish to contribute?

Your report raises too many alarm bells and not enough actual questions, instead being dependent on your conclusions alone. If this was something where people were cajoled, threatened or there was some indication of dire consequences if they, for example, didn't at least double, triple or more, the "suggested donation" that it appears is currently asked for.

You're elderly? Yay. I'm sure many, many other people are in the "advanced age" bracket you are that will have gotten this mailing. I'm also pretty sure that there are also many other age groups who received this request for donations. Itc's not like the society spied on you, noted your age and said; "Oh look! She's over X age! Let's get her!"

In the end, this isn't a rip off, it's more like Chicken Little yelling about the sky falling.